What resources do you use to evaluate school districts and individual schools from afar?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 13:02:32 -0500

We’re strongly leaning towards buying a home at our next duty station (Ft Carson) and we believe this will be a place where we’ll eventually settle down and raise a family so quality of schools is going to play a huge role in where we decide to buy. I’ve come across sites like greatschools.com and niche.com, but I’m hoping to find some additional resources. I think every house listing I’ve come across says “great schools”, but we all know that isn’t true. My goal is to at least have our housing search narrowed down to a few areas before we actually PCS next fall.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2019 4:08 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 16:08:28 -0500

In our experience, great schools.com was our starting point but in the end, nothing can replicate an in-person tour. You have to get a feel for the school, staff, teachers and go with your gut feeling. We have found that most schools, it’s more about the individual teachers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2019 7:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 07:09:12 -0500

Sir, I go through this every PCS as well. As the daughter of someone who used to be in education, schooldigger.com has been my best friend. I’ve used others as well, like the ones that you’ve mentioned but only to see how they match up against schooldigger. It has been pretty spot on for me. Other than that, calling, reading reviews and visits yourself. You can get a good vibe from being there in person.